Michael Grzelak and Eric Coker have a lot in common – hiking and a love for arguing.

They are separated by 20 years – Coker was a victim of Pan Am Flight 103.

‘He loved to argue and he always had his facts ready to go,’ Grzelak said, a quality he feels connected him most with Coker.

As Remembrance Week comes to a close, Grzelak said he has fallen deep into the life of a stranger.

‘I’ve done the research and I felt a strong connection with him,’ he said.

Coker’s brother Jason also died on Pan Am 103, and Grzelak said his personal connection was with the brothers and the rest of the victims.

‘These were wonderful, brilliant people,’ he said. ‘Whether you’re an SU student, a community member or anywhere in the world, it’s important to remember these events.’

Published on October 23, 2008 at 12:00 pm